Yakima Deloatch is a Stage 3 Breast Cancer survivor, she gained first hand exposure to the trials and complications of the disease when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31. Her mother, Gardenia, exuded strength and poise throughout her battle with breast cancer, brain tumors and Lymphedema.  In 1994 her 5-year battle ended while Yakima was at the tender age of 13.

When diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer at 31 years old, the same age as her mother, in 2012. Yakima tackled this disease head on and prepared for the fight with triumph in mind.  She rallied all of her family and friends to build a strong support system, calling her fight the Pink Diamond Stiletto Journey.  Her treatment plan consisted of a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and reconstruction.  In addition to being diagnosed with breast cancer, Yakima developed Lymphedema, a chronic condition that occurs often when women have mastectomies and the cancer has metastasized into the lymph nodes.

Yakima has always been an advocate for the fight against breast cancer.  She began creating awareness around her high school, college, and later participated in national walks. In the recent years she has sponsored an annual local event, Soul for the Cure -an R&B Music and Comedy event to raise awareness and support efforts towards a cure to breast cancer.  To honor her mother, Yakima also created Gardenia’s Angels, which began as a Team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Gardenia’s Angels  has grown into a nonprofit organization focusing on mentoring other young women fighting breast cancer, implementing yoga into their lives, creating awareness about Lymphedema, encouraging healthy food choices, and living life after cancer.  She has been featured on Wendy Williams, BET.com, and Dr. Oz to name a few.

Yakima was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ, but spent her teenage years in South Carolina. She likes to say she’s a Jersey Girl with a Southern Twist. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a dual degree in Fashion Merchandising Management and International Trade and Marketing.  

Yakima is a vibrant, thriving, forever evolving survivor and Lymphediva who continues to spread awareness in the community and throughout social media  to help others, and to live life to the fullest.  

My Warrior Timeline